Application questions 

1. Where can I find the application link? To apply, please go the "how to apply page" from the menu and then click the 'Apply here' button 

2. Can I apply for multiple projects? Do I need separate motivation letters? How long should the motivation letter be? See the info in the "Compulsory attachments to the application form" on the "how to apply page". You can choose up to 3 projects in order of preference on the application form. Only one motivation letter is required, which should encompass your enthusiasm for all the chosen projects. Please do not submit more than one motivation letter. The motivation letter should be no more than 2 pages.

3. Can I update my application once submitted? Once submitted, applications cannot be updated. However, you can delete and resubmit your application before the closing date. Remember, applications are not reviewed until after the closing date, so take your time to ensure everything is correct.

4. How should my referee send a recommendation letter directly to AScI? Refer to the 'Letter of Recommendation' section under 'Compulsory Attachments' on the  "how to apply page"

5. Can I submit multiple letters of recommendation? While you may submit more than one letter, bear in mind that reviewers might not have time to read all of them. Ensure that the most significant letter is placed first. Generally, we advise submitting only one.

6. What if my university doesn't provide electronic transcripts? A scanned copy of your transcript is perfectly acceptable.

7. My transcript is not in English. Can I submit a self-translated version? Yes, you can attach your self-translated English transcript to the original document. There is no need for notarisation by a university or a notary public.

8. What if my grades for the autumn semester are not yet available? Provide a list of courses you have completed during the autumn semester and attach it to your existing transcript or application documents.

9. Do I need to provide a scanned copy of my passport or ID card with my application? No, there is no need to submit any identification documents with your application. If selected, our HR department will contact you for the necessary documents.

Eligibility

1. Do I need to be a current bachelor's or master's student to apply? You are eligible to apply if you (a) are a current bachelor's or master's student, or (b) graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree at the end of the previous academic year (approximately May) or later. 

2. I am in my 4th year of study, am I eligble for projects listed for master's student?  Yes. Aalto, as much of Europes, has a 3 year bachelor's degree and 2 year masters's degree. So if you are in your 4th year of study, you are considered to be at the master's level. In any case the specification in the project is not so strict, it is more to indicate the expected level of knowledge. 

3. Can PhD students apply for this program? The program is exclusively for bachelor's and master's students (unless explicitly stated in the project description). However, PhD students can seek funding for visits to Aalto's School of Science through a different process. Contact the Aalto professor or research group directly; if they are interested in hosting your visit they can apply to AScI for funding to cover your travel and accommodation for two months. Research groups may also have other funding sources.

4. Are Aalto's international/exchange students and other students in Finland eligible to apply? Yes, the internships are open to all students. Note that for local students, the benefits of the AScI program, such as travel bonuses and relocation help, might not apply. Additionally, most positions are available to local students through departmental calls within Aalto. If you are hired through a departmental call you may still join our social activities. Get in touch! 

5. Are there other projects available? I couldn't find a project related to my background/study program/skill set. Unfortunately, we do not have any additional projects beyond those. What is displayed on the website is the full extent of what we are offering in the AScI programme. There maybe be other opportunities at Aalto through different channels. 

Work and dates 

1. Is remote participation in the research program possible? No, remote participation is not an option. All positions are based at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus in Espoo, Finland. Physical presence in Finland is a requirement. This is a very general rule for paid work at Aalto. 

2. Can I apply if my holidays are in May - July? Yes. Mention your available travel dates to Finland in your motivation letter. The hosting research group will consider if your schedule fits their needs. Most activities for interns start in June, so you may miss out on some social events and activities in August.

3. Can I apply if my holidays are from late June to September? Yes. Mention your available travel dates to Finland in your motivation letter. The hosting research group will consider if your schedule fits their needs. Arriving after the start of June means missing early June activities, including the welcome event. Be aware that Finnish summer vacations typically start around June 20th, so getting the initial paperwork done may be slower. Student sublet accommodation is much less available after August, so you would probably need to arrange separate September housing and it will be more expensive. If this is acceptable, please apply.

4. I am curious about the prospects after completing the 12-week program. Do participants have opportunities for further work, study, or a combination of both? After completing the 12-week program, it's important to understand that the program itself does not directly offer any further opportunities. Your next steps, whether in work or further study, would require your personal effort in finding and pursuing them. The program is a great experience but does not extend beyond its set duration and scope. A number of participants do stay or return to Finland for further study or work, so it certainly is a possibility with some effort. 

What are my chances and when will I know

1. How competitive are the internships? On the main page you can find "historical data" which includes the number of applicant etc. Applicants include many outstanding students from top universities worldwide. Competition varies by project, with some receiving 300 applicants and others just 40. Strong interest, relevant background, and enthusiasm are key, so don't hesitate to apply! The hired interns were very diverse, coming from over 20 countries.

2. Which countries do the interns usually come from? The program is very diverse with interns from over 20 countries each year. For details you can find "historical data" on the main page

3. When will the application results be announced? Recruiting occurs throughout February. All candidates will be contacted by the the second week of March.  A more precise date will be announced closer to the time. Please refrain from contacting AScI for expedited processing. This will only slow us down.

Visas & Sanctions 

1. Why was the program's name changed from "Internship Programme" to "Summer Research Programme"? Is it still an internship? While our program aligns with the general definition of an internship, we changed the name to "summer research programme" to avoid confusion with Finnish employment and visa regulations, where "internship" has a specific legal meaning. Participants in our program are not categorised as interns under these rules. This name change also aids in clarifying visa categories and communications with embassies. Detailed visa information and assistance will be provided to selected candidates.

2. Will obtaining a visa to Finland be challenging, and which type should I apply for? We are unable to offer specific visa advice on this page, as requirements vary depending on individual circumstances and can change over time. Typically, participants obtain a Schengen visit visa, as the duration of employment is under 90 days. Historically, participants from very many countries have successfully obtained visas without major issues. Detailed visa information and assistance will be provided to selected candidates.

3. As a student in Russia or Belarus, will EU sanctions affect my ability to participate? Due to EU sanctions, Aalto University refrains from research collaboration with researchers with an affiliation to Russian or Belarusian institutions. In practice, this means we are currently unable to hire summer researchers who are returning to Russian or Belarusian institutions. These regulations are not based on citizenship, and Russian citizens have regularly joined our programme in recent years. 

4. Are AScI summer researchers affected by EU sanctions? Yes, Aalto complies with applicable export control and sanction laws and expects similar compliance from each person accepted to the AScI program. It is important to note that these sanctions are not based on citizenship.  For more information on Aalto's compliance with international regulations, visit Aalto's Responsible Internationalisation - export control and sanctions page. For general information on EU sanctions, refer to the EU Sanctions Map and the Consolidated Financial Sanctions List 

Contacts

1. How long can I expect to wait for an answer to a question that I've asked by email/Zulip? AScI has a part-time coordinator and a part-time assistant, so please allow at least one week for a response before resending your question. We handle a high volume of inquiries, especially around application deadlines. Make sure to review all available materials on the website and in this document before sending queries.